Frame rehabilitation policy for Kashmir's houseboat owners: Parl panel

A parliamentary committee has recommended formulation of a rehabilitation policy for Kashmir's houseboat owners who want to leave their traditional business and go for alternative livelihood opportunities.

A houseboat is designed or modified to be used primarily as a guest house and found on the famous Dal Lake and other water bodies in Kashmir.

Most of the houseboats are not motorised as they are usually moored or kept stationary at a fixed point. These are built on deodar wood, which does not decompose in water.

"The committee recommends that a rehabilitation policy may also be formulated for those houseboat owners who want to cease their houseboat business," the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs said in a report.

The panel takes note of the proposal which is under consideration of the government for providing timber to the houseboat owners at concessional rates for repair or re-construction of their houseboats.

The demand of the houseboat owners or 'shikarawalas'